Chapter Description

From the Book

When I start learning a new application, I'm always in a rush to get
started. I open it up and explore. It's the same way when I pick up a book
about the application  I never start with the first chapter. I don't
want to read about buttons, fields, and controls  especially if I'm
already familiar with other programs from the same company such as Macromedia
Flash, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Macromedia FreeHand.

No, I rush right into the middle chapters of the book.

However, after a few hours of slogging helplessly through the book, I
eventually realize there are many things I don't understand about the
program. I recognize I'm a bit confused. So I come back to the first
chapter to learn the foundation of the program.

Of course, since you're much more patient than I am, you're already
here  reading the first chapter.

System Requirements

To use Macromedia Fireworks effectively, your computer and operating system
must meet the minimum system requirements for the program.

Adobe Type Manager Version 4 or later for use with Type 1 fonts (OS 9 or
later)

Running with the Minimum

The minimum system requirements are just that  just the bare minimum.
Can you launch Fireworks with the minimum requirements? Absolutely! Will you be
happy with the bare minimum? Most likely, no!

If you run Fireworks with the lowest-end computer, you may find it takes a
while for the screen to redraw and settings to apply to objects. If you have
only the minimum system RAM (memory), you may see alerts that Fireworks needs
more memory to finish certain commands. This is especially true when it comes to
applying special effects (see Chapter 9, "Effects").

Launching Fireworks

In addition to the two methods mentioned on the facing page, you can launch
Fireworks in a variety of ways. You can launch the program by double-clicking an
alias (Mac) or shortcut (Win) of the Fireworks application. You can add the
application to the Windows Task bar or Macintosh OS X Dock. You can also add the
application to the Mac OS 9 Apple Menu.

Consult the help files or manual for your operating system for the steps to
accomplish these techniques.